Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 15 July 1911
A Lodger’s Loss
Martha Adams, single woman, living with Arthur Tunnicliffe, miner, late of Denaby, was summoned by George Paislow, pit hand, Barnburgh Street, Denaby, for stealing a jacket, silk handkerchief, watch, rolled gold chain etc. to the value of 30/– while he was staying with them.
The prosecutor said that on 8 June he was lodging with the prisoners, and left the house about 1:30 o’clock to go to work. He left his jacket, in the pockets of which were a watch and chain, hanging upon the kitchen door, with other things. And our past seven the following day he went for his garments, but found that they had been removed. He afterwards learned that the prisoners are taken the things away, although they had had no permission to do so.
The prisoner, Tunnicliffe, upon being asked, if he had any questions on to put to the witness, said to the magistrates: “Yes, sir, I have, and I hope you will listen to me while I am questioning him.
His first interrogation was “Were you in the habit of lending Martha things to pawn? To which question the witness replied in the negative.
Prisoner: Do you admit owing us anything for board? – Witness: No.
How much did you give me the first fortnight? – I gave you 64/– in six weeks.
You say you always nothing? – Yes.
You owe us 16/– altogether.
Herbert Henry Wray, pawnbroker, of new Conisbrough, spoke to receiving a jacket, vest etc. in pledge on 8 June.
PC Rushton gave evidence as to arresting the prisoners. When charged with stealing the garments etc., Adams replied: “He told me to pawn them for food, saying he would fetch them out on Saturday.”
Tunnicliffe when spoken to, agreed with the remarks passed by the woman.
Both prisoners pleaded guilty to taking the things in order to pawn them, saying they did so to obtain money for food.
The Chairman, addressing Adams, said that as they happen to be no previous conviction against her she would be bound over under the First Offenders Act to be of good behaviour for six calendar months. Tunnicliffe had a bad record. He had been convicted several times for theft and would have to go to prison for one month.